Poll: Many smokers feel they face discrimination; most overweight people do not

A majority of smokers in the U.S. feel they face discrimination, a new poll reports.

The Gallup poll said 56 percent of U.S. smokers feel they are at least occasionally discriminated against, with 13 percent saying they face discrimination every day. Smoking restrictions and high cigarette taxes were cited as the primary reasons.

Conversely, the same poll showed just 17 percent of overweight Americans say they face discrimination because of their weight. 83 percent of overweight people polled said they have never faced discrimination due to their extra pounds.

Both traits have negative health effects and stigmas associated with them, but smokers said they feel they face more discrimination. Secondhand smoke may also be a factor.